Bangladeshi Models

Munmun – Lighting up the small screen

BLACK — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:40:12 +0000

Rumana Malik Munmun

Apprehensive under the glare of the spotlight, she took a deep breath to ease the tension and anxiety that had taken hold of her. And why not? It was only natural for a five-year-old girl to be nervous as she spoke to millions of viewers with the camera hovering above her.

That very same girl, Rumana Malik Munmun now has a confident, smiling persona. Anchoring, acting, organising, whichever arena you consider, Munmun has made it big.

Although she had appeared in advertisements, acted in the film “Chhana O Muktijodho”, by Anwara Syed Haq, and directed by Badol Rahman when she had just entered her teens, or been in countless dramas, she first caught the public eye in 2006 through Lux-Channel i Superstar. “After that year, for three consecutive years I was involved with this show, not as a participator but as an organiser,” she recalled.

After that milestone, there was no stopping Munmun. Suddenly she was a conspicuous face on almost every channel, either acting or anchoring. In an interview, she said, ” There is no shortcut to accomplishment. One has to work hard consistently and continue to learn during that process.” And she proved it with TV plays like “Dainik Tolpar”, her first TV play (after participating in Lux Channel-i Superstar), “Batasher Khancha” written by Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal and others.

Rumana Malik Munmun

Munmun anchored the recent SA Games. She was also anchor along with Ravi Shastri at the launch of the ICC World Cup.

Rumana is safe!

Premier show of documentary film ‘Call Me Salma’ held

BLACK — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:29:56 +0000

"Call me Salma" directed by Canadian couple Sébastien Rist and Aude Leroux-Lévesque

“Call me Salma” directed by Canadian couple Sébastien Rist and Aude Leroux-Lévesque, the film is a story about “love and loss. In the crowded back alleys of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Salma enters the mysterious and rich world of Tran-sexuality. Salma, a 16-year-old Hijra, abruptly left her village and family to enter the effervescent city life in search of a clear identity, a new family and above all, a sense of acceptance. Emotionally torn between her youth and her desire of being a woman. Salma decides to return to her village and face events that force her to question the preconceived notions of gender, family and love.” The film runs for 53 minutes 47 seconds.

The Media Studies and Journalism Department of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) and Bandhu Social Welfare Society (BSWS) jointly organised the premier show of the documentary film at the ULAB Auditorium in Dhanmondi recently.

Sébastien and Aude have been in Dhaka for the past few months following the lives of the Hijra in order to complete this documentary film, which will be shown on French Television later this year. It was Aude’s exposure in Dhaka that made them decide to film a documentary on the Hijra. Everyone is invited to attend this event.

Raised in Pointe-Claire Quebec, Canada, Sébastien graduated with distinction from Concordia University. Producing and mixing music in his teenage years, his passion for media arts quickly transcended into film and video; creating numerous independent fictional and documentary shorts. His last short film ‘This Little Piggy’ won ‘best student short’ at the World Film Festival in Montreal as well as winning the People’s Choice Award at both the 2008 Enroute Film Festival and Young Cuts Film Festival. Aude Leroux-Lévesque, on the other hand, has always been fascinated by arts, cultures and languages.

Having done non-government organization (NGO) work in Cuba, Bangladesh and Lebanon, Aude has developed a keen sensitivity that she has been able to filter through her independent documentaries. Having directed an award winning short fiction ‘Camille and the musical cherries’ (Best film, Young Cuts film Festival 2007), Aude has since been channelling her creative energy in social conscious media.

Mahfuz and Badhon coming with the drama “Dujone” for Valentine Day

BLACK — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:22:32 +0000

Mahfuz and Badhon ties up for Valentine Day

Actor Mahfuz Ahmed will play the lead role opposite model Badhon in the drama ‘Dujone’ scheduled to be telecast on Banglavision on the occasion of Valentine’s Day at 9:00pm on February 14.

The drama, scripted by Dewan Shamsur Rakib and directed by Kamol Chakma, has Mahfuz in the role of a school’s sports teacher, Badhon as a sports journalist and Javed Omar Belim as a cricketer.

The drama revolves around a triangular love story. Mahfuz fell in love with a girl in his childhood but could marry her because he did not have enough money to run a family. From then on he thinks it is impossible for him to marry.

At one stage of the story, Mahfuz changes his mind and takes the help of a marriage consultancy firm where he meets Badhon, who goes there for gathering news.

A good relation develops between Mahfuz and Badhon but the later also has a deep friendly relationship with Javed Omar Belim. Some people mistakenly take Badhon and Belim’s relationship for love and the story rolls on.

Regarding the drama, Kamol Chakma said, ‘Everyone falls in love. The young will feel the spirit of love on the Valentine’s Day and enjoy the drama.’

Bappa Mazumder’s latest work “Featuring Nancy Rahman”

BLACK — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:02:39 +0000

"Featuring Nancy Rahman", latest work of Bappa Mazumder

The launching ceremony of Bappa Mazumder’s latest work, “Bappa Mazumder featuring Nancy Rahman” was held at a city hotel, recently. Bappa Mazumder has done the music composition and arrangement for the album.

The album contains eleven tracks — Shasti, Brishti udas, Amar shobei, Keno tumi bhangley amay, Neel akashey, Amar janala diye, Ichhey, Bondhu amay, Shukh pakhi, Shamanyo shombbol and a duet of “Shamanyo shombbol” with Bappa Mazumder.

Speaking of the album Bappa Majumder said “I have enjoyed working with Nancy, she has been very hardworking, dedicated and vigilant during the entire recording of the album,”

“For some one totally raised abroad interest in Bangla music is really a positive thing,” Bappa added.

Nancy Rahman is a Bangladeshi expatriate, living in Australia; she completed her double bachelor in business and law from Sydney University.

Sharing her feelings Nancy Rahman said “Even though I was raised abroad, I have always had this special liking of eastern music thanks to my mother Syntheya Rahman who always inspired me to listen to eastern music,”

Speaking of the album Nancy said “I was always passionate about bringing out a Bengali album of my own, I travelled to Bangladesh and stayed here for four months only for the album,”

This is Nancy Rahman’s second visit to Bangladesh. Nancy Thanked Bappa Mazumder for his guidance during the recording of the album. The album has been released under the banner of agniveena.

Promode Mankin, state minister, ministry of cultural affairs, attended the event as the chief guest and launched the album.

“Third Person Singular Number” pulling audience

BLACK — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:55:45 +0000

"Third Person Singular Number" pulling audience

Filmmaker Mostafa Sarwar Farooki’s latest feature film “Third Person Singular Number” was recently released and has gained much appreciation from the audience at home and abroad at international film festivals.

In old times watching films was the main source of entertainment for the general people. But with the passage of time the scene had changed and the educated people stopped going to the cinema. Because most of the films were full of obscenity.

“Third Person Singular Number” would have to be the most promising film of the year. The crowd and presence of audience says the scene is changing gradually with the tremendous effort of some filmmakers. They have watched some good films like “Monpura,” “Third Person Singular Number” and they want to watch these types of films more. Peoples are start believing that again they will throng the cinema halls.

Tisha, Singer Tapu and Mosharraf Karim played the lead roles in the film.

Apart from filmmaking Farooki is also a successful TV play director and always tries to offer the audience something innovative.

Actress Shabnoor opens her personal website

BLACK — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:00:18 +0000

Popular Bangladeshi film actress Shabnoor has taken step to open her personal website. Recently she booked a domain name and information collection works going on. “My fans will be more in touch with me by visiting the site”, Shabnoor expressed. http://www.shabnoorfilmactress.com, the site where lots of information about Shabnoor and her works will be displayed. Few friends of her have been helping to make the site.

Farah Ruma – An actress with panache

Produce at least one children’s film every year : PM to filmmakers

BLACK — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:24:13 +0000

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina called on filmmakers Saturday to produce at least one children's film every year : PM to filmmakers

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina called on filmmakers Saturday to produce at least one children’s film every year. Hasina made the call as she inaugurated the Third Children’s Film Festival at Osmani Memorial auditorium. The festival, being held every year since 2008, hosted by the Children’s Film Society will run from Jan 23 to Jan 29.

Festival director Morshedul Islam said the event aims at acquainting children with different cultures through creative films from home and abroad. The festival will screen 243 films from 50 countries at 12 venues in Dhaka. Admission is free for children. Festival advisory council chairman Mustafa Monwar demanded construction of a national children’s film complex that educate children to on many subjects. The opening session was addressed among others by information minister Abul Kalam, Children’s Film Society president Zafar Iqbal and information secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury.

The prime minister inaugurating the event said more than half of the population was below 18 but children’s film is almost entirely neglected. “Children should get priority as spectators and there is no valid reason for not making films for them,” she said. Hasina said, history, tradition, liberation war, culture, customs and behaviour and values could easily be etched into the young impressionable minds of children. “Film is a very powerful art medium, which could be properly used for the benefit of children with appropriate initiatives,” she said.

The prime minister also urged the film makers to use films as tools for fighting different social maladies like terrorism and militancy. “Make such films which can help children develop human qualities.” “A good film teaches a man how to love the country and how to transform himself into a good person,” said the prime minister. Taking a swipe at the filmmakers, Hasina said, “Instead of wasting money, you should work together to mould children’s characters for the future.”

The prime minister also called on them to instil patriotism among children so that they can serve the nation better in future. “A memorable character can etch itself into the minds of children for a lifetime,” she said, adding that the children of Bangladesh are showing their true potential at home and abroad. Hasina assured the filmmakers all-out assistance for children’s films. “The government used to fund only three films before. But now it will finance five films of which two can be for children.”

Samaresh Majumdar’s epic novel “Garbhodharini” comes to TV

BLACK — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:18:46 +0000

Samaresh Majumdar's epic novel "Garbhodharini" comes to TV

The story of four friends that took Bengali readers by storm and continues to fascinate generations is now coming to TV. A mega-serial titled “”, an adaptation of Samaresh Majumdar’s hugely popular novel, goes on air on January 6 at 8:15 pm on Channel 1.

“Garbhodharini” narrates the adventures of Joyita, Shudip, Anondo and Kollan who, despite their dissimilar backgrounds, have similar ideologies about the flaws of the society. Joyita comes from an affluent family that made its fortune by means of her father’s corrupt practices. Similarly, Shudip’s father is a dubious lawyer; his mother is paraplegic. Anondo’s mother is his best friend; his father lost his life for political reasons.

Kollan is a brilliant student, but his family is hard up. These four are unhappy with the state of the society, with their surroundings and want to change things. They plan to bomb selected areas, not to hurt anyone but with the intention of bringing various shady activities to everyone’s attention. Their actions infuriate influential figures involved, and soon the authorities pursue the perpetrators. The rebellious quartet dodge the police and take refuge in a secluded area.

The entire initiative to bring the novel to the small screen was undertaken by Shankha Dasgupta, director of the serial. “I chose ‘Garbhodharini’ because when I read it, I felt like it demanded to be made into a film or serial,” says Dasgupta. The author agreed to Dasgupta’s proposal under the condition that he would write the script himself. Seventy-two episodes (each 22-minute long) of the serial are jointly produced by Top of Mind and Prionty. The cast includes Tisha, Hillol, Shajol, Shahriar Shubho, Saberi Alam, Pijush Bandyopadhyay, Mahmudul Islam Mithu, Shamima Naznin, Jayonto Chattyopadhyay, Chitralekha Guho and others. “Garbhodharini” will be aired every Wednesday and Thursday at 8:15pm.

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Riaz and Tina first worked together in the dance show

BLACK — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:13:55 +0000

Riaz and Tina first worked together in the dance show

Riaz and Tina first worked together in the dance show “Goalini Binodon Bichitra”. Subsequently they appeared as anchors on the musical talent hunt “Shah Cement Nirman Taroka”. On screen they are a star couple, but what about off screen? The Daily Star explores the conjugal lives of the two.

Everyone knew Riaz as a “hero” of the big screen. So did Tina. Back then Tina was a model, anchor as well as a connoisseur of classical dance. Tina was the first to come across him at a restaurant. The first time Riaz saw Tina was three years back, at his friend’s office in Dhanmondi where they were discussing an upcoming dance show (“Goalini Binodon Bichitra”). In Riaz’s words, “There was this girl, really childish and carefree. And I noticed her in the crowd. Later, my friend told me that she would be dancing with me on the show.”

After that the two met many times and spent hours talking over the phone. And over the years they gradually discovered the special connection between them. On December 18, 2007 they tied the knot. Although Riaz is a celebrated actor, most of his fans are unaware that he began his career as a pilot. At the moment he is also an entrepreneur. Presently he is occupied with his business concern, which is promoting a new product. “Within a year, I hope to settle down in my business. After that I am thinking about returning to my acting career. That may happen in late 2010, or early 2010. Let’s wait and see,” says Riaz.

Tina was more into hosting shows since she was a child. In fact the first show she anchored was a cartoon show: “Mon Cherry Tom and Jerry”. She has been modelling for around seven/eight years. She also teaches at BAFA in Uttara. When she is not busy, Tina visits Riaz at work. “Those are times when I can put a stop to my monotonous office work. She would come and use the computer to play Farmville or something, and I would just pack everything and watch her,” says Riaz.

How do you plan special days? “We don’t plan ahead,” Riaz says. “We love to go on vacations, attend parties, or movies; at times we just stay in, or go out to have ice-cream.” In a lighter vein, he adds, “At dead of night, sometime around 3am, Tina suddenly felt like having ice-cream. Now what could be done as all the shops were closed? Well, we took the car and set out in search of ice-cream. Not one ice-cream shop was open in sight. Later we went to the airport. That was a relief since they had ice-cream at the airport. The problem was that we had to buy tickets to get in. One of the people recognised me and helped us get some ice-cream.” “These impulsive moments keep the relationship interesting,” says a smiling Tina.

Premier show of documentary film ‘Call Me Salma’ held

Farooki and Tisha urged the audience to support quality Bangla films

BLACK — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 06:01:19 +0000

Farooki and Tisha urged the audience to support quality Bangla films

Filmmaker Mostafa Sarwar Farooki and actress Tisha were accorded a reception in Pabna last Tuesday evening when they arrived at the Rupkotha Cinema Hall in town, which is screening Farooki’s “Third Person Singular Number”. The reception was held at the movie theatre.

The filmmaker and actress urged the audience to support quality Bangla films. If a sensible audience goes to the movie theatres more, the production of meaningful films would increase. Directors would be interested in making more quality films for the audience, they were of the view. Tisha, who played the protagonist of “Third Person Singular Number”, asked all to support the film industry.

“There is a common complaint that the number of quality films are dwindling and that the environment of movie theatres is not healthy. The situation can improve only when people start coming back to the cinema halls,” Tisha said. Managing director of Rupkotha Cinema Hall, Sohani Hossain, also spoke on the occasion. Earlier she received the filmmaker and actress with flowers at the movie theatre. Later Farooki and Tisha talked to the audience and exchanged views on the film.